John Carroll Retires Principal Steele's No. 22 Jersey

Ronald Steele, a two-time state basketball champion at John Carroll Catholic High School, is honored with his jersey retirement as the school's principal.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball

John Carroll Retires Principal Steele's No. 22 Jersey

John Carroll Catholic High School retired the No. 22 basketball jersey of Principal Ronald Steele during a ceremony at a football game on October 30, 2026. The senior class and basketball team unveiled the jersey as part of the celebration.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes Steele's four years as principal and his long connection to the school as a student, athlete, coach and athletics administrator. It is the first time a John Carroll alumnus has been honored in this way while serving as the school's principal.

Steele was named Alabama Mr. Basketball in both 2003 and 2004 as the Cavaliers won back-to-back state titles. His jersey number, 22, was retired 22 years after those championship seasons.

The players

Ronald Steele

Ronald Steele is the principal of John Carroll Catholic High School, a Birmingham-area Catholic school, and previously played college basketball at the University of Alabama after leading the Cavaliers to state titles.

John Carroll Catholic High School

John Carroll Catholic High School is a Catholic school in Birmingham, Alabama, known for its strong basketball program.

The details

Members of the senior class led the celebration, and the school's basketball team unveiled the retired jersey. Andrew Steele, Ronald's brother who graduated from John Carroll in 2008, participated through a video presentation.

2003 and 2004: John Carroll wins back-to-back state basketball championships with Steele.
2008: Andrew Steele graduates from John Carroll.
2017: Ronald Steele Sr., Steele's father, dies.
October 30, 2026: Jersey retirement ceremony held at a football game.

Season Trajectory

The jersey retirement connects Steele's 2003 and 2004 championship teams to his current leadership, marking a rare continuity between a school's athletic history and its administration. It reflects how John Carroll ties its basketball legacy to its institutional identity.

Local basketball fans and high school athletics followers in Birmingham can see how a retired jersey recognizes both playing and administrative service at one school. The honor offers a concrete example of how alumni careers can be celebrated publicly.

The takeaway

Honors like jersey retirements can recognize long service beyond athletic achievement, linking students, alumni and school leadership across decades. Readers interested in school athletics can follow how local programs celebrate their history.